Novelty easter egg containers

ABSTRACT

Novelty Easter egg containers including a first shell portion and a second shell portion. The first shell portion and the second shell portion are complementarily configured to selectively couple together via threaded engagement. The novelty Easter egg container defines an egg shape when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/293,665, filed on Dec. 24, 2022, entitled Easter Egg with Screw Closure, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to novelty containers. In particular, novelty Easter egg containers are described.

Easter, like Christmas, has accumulated a great many traditions. Some Easter traditions have little to do with the Christian celebration of the Resurrection, but instead derive from folk customs. One example of an Easter tradition deriving from folk customs is painting Easter eggs.

The use of painted and decorated Easter eggs was first recorded in the 13th century. The church prohibited eating eggs during Holy Week, but chickens continued to lay eggs during that week. People began decorating those eggs to identify them as “Holy Week” eggs.

The egg itself became a symbol of the Resurrection. Just as Jesus rose from the tomb, the egg symbolizes new life emerging from the eggshell. In the Orthodox tradition, eggs are painted red to symbolize the blood Jesus shed on the cross.

Easter egg hunts are popular among children in the United States. First lady Lucy Hayes, the wife of Pres. Rutherford B. Hayes, is often credited with sponsoring the first annual Easter egg roll in 1878. Easter egg roll events involved children and their parents rolling their eggs on the White House lawn on the Monday following Easter.

In 1878, the Easter egg roll event was moved to the White House from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol Building, where large numbers of children had gathered beginning in the early 1870s to roll their eggs and play on Easter Monday. Members of Congress were dismayed by the large crowds on Capitol Hill and feared that the foot traffic was damaging the grounds. By 1876, Congress and Pres. Ulysses S. Grant passed a law that forbade the practice of egg rolling on Capitol Hill. Some historical records note that the Hayes first opened the White House lawn to egg rolling festivities the following year, in 1877, after a young boy asked President Hayes directly for permission to use the space.

Advancements in the field of novelty Easter eggs have been made, but they are subject to various disadvantages. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 2,998,896, issued to J. H. Miller, Sep. 5, 1961, discloses an Easter egg of two halves that are completely separable and provided with a latch structure releasably securing the two halves together. However, the latch fingers are rather difficult to manipulate, especially by small children, and are relatively difficult to manufacture.

Another patent for Easter egg containers, bearing British patent 2,124,592A, issued to WADDINGTONS Ltd. The patent relates to an Easter egg container blank erected by a panel and die operation so that side panels 12 and 14 fold relative to a center panel 10 to be upstanding relative to the center panel 10. Folding creates half of a support cradle inside the partially erected container by the inward folding of auxiliary panels 64-74.

The Easter egg is placed in the partially erected container to sit on the half cradle. Erection is completed by folding over a cover panel 32, which has side panels 34 and 36. The cover panel 32 and its side panels 34 and 36 define the other half of the cradle when folded to the closing condition.

Another relevant patent, entitled Hinged Plastic Easter Egg, bearing U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,135A, was issued to Erwin H. Weder and Donald E. Weder. The patent relates to a hollow, plastic Easter egg constructed of two halves connected by a plastic living hinge of unitary construction. The two halves are retained in a closed position by a latch structure. The latch structure in includes a continuous peripheral rib and peripheral groove on telescoping end portions of the two halves so that the hinge line of separation between the two halves are substantially concealed.

The two halves of the Easter egg may be opened or closed to enable candy, toys, figurines or any other items desired to be placed therein so that they will appear to be inaccessible. However, the egg can be opened to provide access to the items inside. The unitary hinge retaining the two halves of the egg in connected relation enables the two halves to be hinged to their open position.

Another example of an Easter egg related patent is US Patent Publication No. 2007/0049162A1, entitled Toy Easter Egg, issued to GONIC TECHNOLOGIES Ltd. The patent describes a toy Easter egg programmed to open, close, and swing.

The toy Easter egg includes a top casing and a lower casing. An ejection arm is contained in the top casing. A sliding channel is disposed on the ejection arm. A gearbox is mounted in the lower casing. The gearbox includes a front cover, a rear cover, a motor between both covers, and a gear set. A dancer is mounted on one side of the front cover. A lever is connected to the sliding channel of the ejection arm and to an eccentric in the rear cover. A locking block is on the eccentric. A sliding board is inserted to the eccentric. The sliding board includes a reset switch, an ejection switch, and a dancer switch.

As discussed above, multiple Easter egg structure solutions have been contemplated. However, the existing solutions leave room for improvement. Further advancements in Easter egg structures would be appreciated and useful.

It would be desirable to have a unique and advanced Easter egg design as compared to the various designs that have come before. Society would appreciate an enhanced Easter egg container design with a simple and exciting assembly unlike traditional Easter egg apparatuses.

It would be advantageous to have an Easter egg configured to hold treats and toys with a convenient means to selectively contain or access the contents of the Easter egg. Conventional Easter egg solutions have less than ideal and less than secure closure mechanisms. For example, conventional Easter egg designs can too easily pop open and spill the contents of the Easter egg container. Easter egg designs would benefit from improved closure mechanisms than are currently incorporated into Easter egg designs.

Thus, there exists a need for novelty Easter egg containers that improve upon and advance the design of known novelty Easter egg containers. Examples of new and useful novelty Easter egg containers relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

United States patent filings with disclosure relevant to novelty Easter egg containers include the following U.S. patent filings identified by either patent number, publication number, or application number: U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,124,592, 2,998,896, 4,124,135, US D838913 and US2007/0049162. The complete disclosures of these listed U.S. patent filings are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to novelty Easter egg containers including a first shell portion and a second shell portion. The first shell portion and the second shell portion are complementarily configured to selectively couple together via threaded engagement. The novelty Easter egg container defines an egg shape when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.

In some examples, the first shell portion defines a first rim, the second shell portion defines a second rim, the first rim and the second rim are complementarily configured, and the first rim and the second rim abut together when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.

This document describes certain examples where the first shell portion includes a first coupler extending from the first rim and defining an interior thread, the second shell portion includes a second coupler extending from the second rim and defining an exterior thread, and the interior thread is complementarily configured with the exterior thread.

In select embodiments, the interior thread defines a single root. As described below, in particular instances the exterior thread defines a single root.

In some examples, the first shell portion includes a first exterior surface, the second shell portion includes a second exterior surface, and the first exterior surface is substantially continuous with the second exterior surface when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.

This document describes certain examples where the first shell portion includes a first interior surface, the second shell portion includes a second interior surface, and the first interior surface is substantially continuous with the second interior surface when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.

As described below, in particular instances, the first shell portion includes a first coupler extending from the first rim and proximate the first exterior surface and distal the first interior surface, the first coupler defines an interior thread, the second shell portion includes a second coupler extending from the second rim proximate the second interior surface and distal the second exterior surface, the second coupler defines an exterior thread, and the interior thread is complementarily configured with the exterior thread.

In some examples, the novelty Easter egg container defines an ovoid when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.

As described below, in particular instances, rotating the first shell portion relative to the second shell portion about a longitudinal axis of the ovoid selectively engages the extenor thread with the interior thread.

In some examples, the second shell portion defines a base configured to support the first shell portion.

This document describes certain examples where the first shell portion defines a first longitudinal end distal the first rim, the second shell portion defines a second longitudinal end distal the second rim and opposite the first longitudinal end when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion, the first longitudinal end is curved and the second longitudinal end includes a flat portion surrounded by a curved portion.

In select embodiments, the novelty Easter egg container is configured to rest on a level surface in an upright configuration with the first shell portion disposed above the second shell portion when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion and the second longitudinal end abuts the level surface.

As described below, in particular instances the novelty Easter egg container defines an interior void when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a novelty Easter egg container with a first shell portion coupled to a second shell portion.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the novelty Easter egg container shown in FIG. 1 with the first shell portion separated from the second shell portion.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the novelty Easter egg container shown in FIG. 1 with the first shell portion separated from the second shell portion.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the novelty Easter egg container shown in FIG. 1 standing upright on a level surface.

FIG. 5 is a view of a section of the novelty Easter egg container shown in FIG. 1 defined by line 5-5 shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a view of a section of the novelty Easter egg container shown in FIG. 1 defined by line 5-5 shown in FIG. 4 with the first shell portion separated from the second shell portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed novelty Easter egg containers will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various novelty Easter egg containers are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

Definitions

The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

“Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.

“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps not expressly recited.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation.

“Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

Novelty Easter Egg Containers

With reference to the figures, novelty Easter egg containers will now be described. The novelty Easter egg containers discussed herein function to contain small items like candy, treats, toys, or trinkets. Additionally or alternatively, the novelty Easter egg containers serve to provide amusement and/or serve as a decoration or toy.

The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that the presently disclosed novelty Easter egg containers address many of the shortcomings of conventional novelty Easter egg containers. For example, the Easter egg containers discussed herein provide a convenient means to selectively contain or access contents within a novelty Easter egg container. The novelty Easter egg containers described in this document have more secure and convenient closure mechanisms than available in conventional Easter egg containers. Unlike, conventional Easter egg designs that can too easily pop open and spill their contents, the novelty Easter egg containers described herein stay closed with their contents secure within them until one desires to open them. Accordingly, the Easter egg designs discussed below beneficially include an improved closure mechanism than is currently incorporated into Easter egg designs.

Novelty Easter Egg Container Embodiment One

With reference to FIGS. 1-6 , a novelty Easter egg container 100 will now be described as a first example of a novelty Easter egg container. As shown in FIGS. 1-6 , novelty Easter egg container 100 defines an egg shape when a first shell portion 101 is selectively coupled to a second shell portion 102. In geometric terms, Easter egg container 100 defines an ovoid when first shell portion 101 is selectively coupled to second shell portion 102.

The reader can see in FIGS. 1-6 that novelty Easter egg container 100 includes a first shell portion 101 and a second shell portion 102. In other examples, the novelty Easter egg container includes fewer components than depicted in the figures. In certain examples, the novelty Easter egg container includes additional or alternative components than depicted in the figures.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 , novelty Easter egg container 100 is configured to rest on a level surface 116 in an upright configuration 117. The reader can see in FIGS. 3 and 4 that upright configuration 117 has first shell portion 101 disposed above second shell portion 102. Further, first shell portion 101 is selectively coupled to second shell portion 102 in upright configuration 117.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 , novelty Easter egg container 100 defines an interior void 118 when first shell portion 101 is selectively coupled to second shell portion 102. Small items like candy, treats, toys, or trinkets may be stored within interior void 118. As explained in more detail below, Easter egg container 100 may be selectively opened to access interior void 118.

The components of Easter egg container 100 are explained in more detail in the sections below with reference to the figures.

Shell Portions

The shell portions serve to define the shape and structure of Easter egg container 100. The shell portions also function to enclose and protect contents stored within interior void 118.

The reader can see in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 that first shell portion 101 and second shell portion 102 are complementarily configured. With further reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 , the reader can see that first shell portion 101 and second shell portion 102 are configured to selectively couple together via threaded engagement. The reader can see in FIG. 4 that second shell portion 102 defines a base 113 configured to support first shell portion 101.

In the present example, the shell portions are composed of plastic. However, the shell portions may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for novelty container applications. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.

The size and shape of the shell portions may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the shell portions are larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the shell portions are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the shell portions and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

In the example shown in the figures, first shell portion 101 defines a first rim 103 and a first longitudinal end 114. Further, first shell portion 101 includes a first coupler 105, a first exterior surface 109, and a first interior surface 111.

Second shell portion 102 defines a second rim 104 and a second longitudinal end 115. Second shell portion 102 also includes a second coupler 107, a second exterior surface 110, and a second interior surface 112. The components of the shell portions are described further in the sections below.

Rims

The rims facilitate selectively coupling the shell portions together. As mention above and depicted in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 , first shell portion 101 defines a first rim 103. Further, with reference to FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 , the reader can see that second shell portion 102 defines a second rim 104.

As apparent from FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 , first rim 103 and second rim 104 are complementarily configured. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , first rim 103 and second nm 104 abut together when first shell portion 101 is selectively coupled to second shell portion 102.

Couplers

The couplers function to selectively couple and decouple the shell portions. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 , first coupler 105 extends from first rim 103. In particular, first coupler 105 extends from first rim 103 proximate first exterior surface 109 and distal first interior surface 111. As depicted in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 , first coupler 105 defines an interior thread 106.

The reader can see in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 that second coupler 107 extends from second rim 104. With reference to FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 , it is apparent that second coupler 107 extends from second rim 104 proximate second interior surface 112 and distal second exterior surface 110. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 , second coupler 107 defines an exterior thread 108.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 , interior thread 106 and exterior thread 108 are complementarily configured to threadingly engage each other. With continued reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 , rotating first shell portion 101 relative to second shell portion 102 about a longitudinal axis of the ovoid selectively engages exterior thread 108 with interior thread 106.

In the present example, the threads are single root threads. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 , interior thread 106 defines a single root and, with reference to FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 , exterior thread 108 defines a single root. In other examples, the threads define more than one root, such as two roots or multiple roots.

The size and shape of the couplers may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the couplers are larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the couplers are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the couplers and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

In the present example, the couplers are composed of plastic. However, the couplers may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for coupler applications. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.

Exterior Surfaces

In addition to their structural roles, the exterior surfaces may be adorned or decorated with indicia or designs. Additionally or alternatively, the exterior surfaces may be colored to symbolize religious or folk traditions.

As depicted in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 , first exterior surface 109 is substantially continuous with second exterior surface 110 when first shell portion 101 is selectively coupled to second shell portion 102. Substantially continuous means that the exterior of the egg appears to be a unitary surface when viewed from a distance and upon close inspection a seam between the shell portions may be apparent.

Interior Surfaces

The reader can see in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 that first shell portion 101 includes a first interior surface 111. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 , second shell portion 102 includes a second interior surface 112. With reference to FIG. 5 , first interior surface 111 is substantially continuous with second interior surface 112 when first shell portion 101 is selectively coupled to second shell portion 102.

Longitudinal Ends

As depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-6 , first longitudinal end 114 is distal first rim 103. With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4-6 , second longitudinal end 115 is distal second rim 104. Moreover, second longitudinal end 115 is located opposite first longitudinal end 114 when first shell portion 101 is selectively coupled to second shell portion 102.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-6 , first longitudinal end 114 is curved. As depicted in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4-6 , second longitudinal end 115 is flatter than first longitudinal end 114.

The reader can see in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4-6 that second longitudinal end 115 defines a flat portion 120 surrounded by a curved portion 121 Flat portion 120 enables novelty Easter egg container 100 to stand upright when flat portion 120 rests on a level surface. In some examples, the flat portion is not perfectly flat, but instead is a sufficiently flat curve to enable the novelty Easter egg container to stand upright.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein. 

1. A novelty Easter egg container, comprising: a first shell portion; and a second shell portion; wherein: the first shell portion and the second shell portion are complementarily configured to selectively couple together via threaded engagement; and the novelty Easter egg container defines an egg shape when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion
 2. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 1, wherein: the first shell portion defines a first rim; the second shell portion defines a second rim; the first rim and the second rim are complementarily configured; and the first nm and the second rim abut together when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.
 3. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 2, wherein: the first shell portion includes a first coupler extending from the first rim and defining an interior thread; the second shell portion includes a second coupler extending from the second rim and defining an exterior thread; and the interior thread is complementarily configured with the exterior thread.
 4. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 3, wherein the interior thread defines a single root.
 5. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 4, wherein the exterior thread defines a single root.
 6. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 1, wherein: the first shell portion includes a first exterior surface; the second shell portion includes a second exterior surface; and the first exterior surface is substantially continuous with the second exterior surface when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.
 7. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 6, wherein: the first shell portion includes a first interior surface; the second shell portion includes a second interior surface; and the first interior surface is substantially continuous with the second interior surface when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.
 8. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 7, wherein: the first shell portion defines a first rim; the second shell portion defines a second rim; the first rim and the second rim are complementarily configured; and the first rim and the second rim abut together when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.
 9. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 8, wherein: the first shell portion includes a first coupler extending from the first rim and proximate the first exterior surface and distal the first interior surface, the first coupler defining an interior thread; the second shell portion includes a second coupler extending from the second rim proximate the second interior surface and distal the second exterior surface, the second coupler defining an exterior thread; and the interior thread is complementarily configured with the exterior thread.
 10. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 1, wherein the novelty Easter egg container defines an ovoid when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.
 11. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 10, wherein: the first shell portion defines a first rim; the second shell portion defines a second rim; the first rim and the second rim are complementarily configured; and the first rim and the second rim abut together when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.
 12. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 11, wherein: the first shell portion includes a first coupler extending from the first rim and defining an interior thread; the second shell portion includes a second coupler extending from the second rim and defining an exterior thread; and the interior thread is complementarily configured with the exterior thread.
 13. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 12, wherein rotating the first shell portion relative to the second shell portion about a longitudinal axis of the ovoid selectively engages the exterior thread with the interior thread.
 14. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 11, wherein the second shell portion defines a base configured to support the first shell portion.
 15. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 14, wherein: the first shell portion defines a first longitudinal end distal the first rim; the second shell portion defines a second longitudinal end distal the second rim and opposite the first longitudinal end when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion; the first longitudinal end is curved; and the second longitudinal end defines a flat portion surrounded by a curved portion.
 16. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 15, wherein the novelty Easter egg container is configured to rest on a level surface in an upright configuration with the first shell portion disposed above the second shell portion when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion and the second longitudinal end abuts the level surface.
 17. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 1, wherein the novelty Easter egg container defines an interior void when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.
 18. A novelty Easter egg container, comprising: a first shell portion defining a first rim and including a first coupler extending from the first rim and defining an interior thread; and a second shell portion defining a second rim complementarily configured with the first rim and including a second coupler extending from the second rim and defining an exterior thread complementarily configured with the interior thread; wherein: the first shell portion and the second shell portion are complementarily configured to selectively couple together via threaded engagement of the exterior thread and the interior thread; and the novelty Easter egg container defines an egg shape when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.
 19. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 18, wherein: the first shell portion includes a first exterior surface; the second shell portion includes a second exterior surface; and the first exterior surface is substantially continuous with the second exterior surface when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion.
 20. The novelty Easter egg container of claim 19, wherein: the first shell portion includes a first interior surface; the second shell portion includes a second interior surface; and the first interior surface is substantially continuous with the second interior surface when the first shell portion is selectively coupled to the second shell portion. 